At least one higher-concern violation appears in the last 12 months.
Next: Read reports, examine repeated topics below, look at the broader history, and ask what changed afterward.
Latest inspectionMarch 17, 2026
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsMarch 17, 2026
Summary
This summary covers 21 available inspections for MERRELL UNITED METHODIST PRESCHOOL from April 6, 2023 through March 17, 2026.
Nine inspections recorded violations, with 18 recorded violations in total.
The most recent higher-concern violation was on November 4, 2025 and involved transportation, with a due date of November 4, 2025.
That higher-concern topic showed up in four inspections.
Three later inspections, from November 7, 2025 through March 17, 2026, showed no recorded violations, but the records do not say whether they were formal follow-ups.
At a glance
Total inspections
21
7 in last 12 months
Recorded violations
18
3 in last 12 months
Higher-concern violations
4
1 in last 12 months
Repeated topics
4
Last 36 months
Local comparison
21 total inspections vs 14 local median in 33319
Compared to 10 local facilities
Recorded violations per inspection
This provider
0.86
Local median
0.72
0.86This provider
0.72Local median
Inspections with higher-concern violations
This provider
19%
Local median
20%
19%This provider
20%Local median
Inspections with recorded violations
This provider
43%
Local median
31%
43%This provider
31%Local median
Repeated topics
This provider
4
Local average
2.2
4This provider
2.2Local average
Repeated topics
Topics that appeared in more than one inspection during the last 36 months. They may reveal a pattern worth examining.
Staff training
Appeared across 4 inspections, with 6 recorded violations.
2.5.2(A)(1-5), Handbook: A log must be maintained for all children being transported in a vehicle or on foot away from and/or to the premises of the child care facility. The log must include: (1.) Each childs name, (2.) The date and time of departure, (3.) Time of arrival at the destination, (4.) The signature of the driver (or in the case of travelling on foot, the signature of the child care personnel), and (5.) The signature of a second child care personnel or person(s) authorized by the provider to verify the transportation log and that all children have arrived safely and left the vehicle (if applicable). The facilitys log did not include all required information. (Section 2.1(A) Health and Safety, Page 3) Transportation [SR]
Report comments
The transportation log was missing the signature of a second childcare personnel or person(s) authorized by the provider to verify the transportation log and that all children have arrived safely and left the vehicle. LICENSE/CERTIFICATES
Correction status
Due by November 4, 2025
More details
Report section
TRANSPORTATION - 44 - Drivers Qualifications/Requirements Group: Sec. 7-45, Ordinance and DCF Handbook Sec. 7-45, Ordinance and DCF Handbook (Form DEL-SR-6200A)
6.4(A), (B) and (D), Handbook: All accidents and incidents or unusual occurrences that are threatening to the health, safety, or welfare of a child that occur while the child is in care must be documented on the same day they occur. This documentation must be shared with the custodial parent or legal guardian on the date of occurrence. If the parent or legal guardian does not pick up the child on the date of occurrence of the accident or incident, the individual authorized to pick up the child must sign and be provided a copy of the accident/incident form. Documentation of an accident/incident was not provided on the day it occurred. Childrens Records [SR]
Inspector notes
Complaint alleges that at around 5:00 PM that afternoon, child had a red, swollen mark near his right eye and seemed a clear gel had been applied to it. The parent ad not been contacted about any incident earlier in the day, and this visible injury was alarming. Ms. C. appeared surprised when asked what happened and stated that she was unaware of the injury. This response was inconsistent with the incident report, which later noted that staff had observed some irritation near Chaises eye. Despite this, the director informed the parent that she was not aware of any incident. On Monday, June 16, 2025, an incident report was provided containing no details about how the injury oc ... [truncated]
Correction status
Completed at time of inspection
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 40 - Accident/Incident Reporting Group: DCF Handbook
Sec. 7-32, Ordinance: Before the first day of employment at a child care facility, all child care personnel, excluding temporary substitutes, must have on file at the child care facility a signed statement from a licensed physician or authorized agent of the Florida Department of Health attesting that the person is in good health in order to care for children in a child care facility setting. The health assessment statement shall be documented on a form prescribed by the local licensing agency and updated at least every two years. Child Care personnel did not have a current health statement on file.
Inspector notes
Two staff members medical statement were observed expired.
Correction status
Due by August 15, 2025
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 05 - Health Requirements Group: Sec. 7-32, Ordinance
Sec. 7-30(b), Ordinance: All staff members of child care facilities must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. A high school diploma or equivalent was not on file for all staff members.
Correction / follow-up note
Proof of education was not on file for two staff members. See supplemental inspection sheet for additional information.
Correction status
Due by April 10, 2025
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 02 - Education Requirements Group: Sec. 7-30, Ordinance and DCF Handbook
Official code
02-04
Medium concern: Staff training
Report finding
4.1, Handbook: Child care personnel including volunteers who work 10 hours or more per month must begin training within 90 days of employment in the child care industry. The facility did not have documentation to show child care personnel had begun the introductory training within 90 days of employment in the child care industry.
Report comments
A staff member did not begin 40 hours training within the required time frame. See supplemental inspection sheet for additional information.
Correction status
Due by April 10, 2025
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 03 - Personnel Training Group: Sec. 7-30, Ordinance and DCF Handbook
Official code
03-01
Medium concern: Staff training
Report finding
4.1, Handbook: Child care personnel including volunteers who work 10 hours or more per month must successfully complete the departments training within 12 months from the date training begins. Training completion may not exceed 15 months from the date of employment in the child care industry in any licensed Florida child care facility. The facility did not have documentation of child care personnel's completion of required training on the training transcript in that [see below].
Report comments
Two staff members did not complete the 40 hours training within the required time frame. See supplemental inspection sheet for additional information.
Correction status
Due by April 10, 2025
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 03 - Personnel Training Group: Sec. 7-30, Ordinance and DCF Handbook
Official code
03-02
Medium concern: Health or food records
Report finding
Sec. 7-32, Ordinance: Before the first day of employment at a child care facility, all child care personnel, excluding temporary substitutes, must have on file at the child care facility a signed statement from a licensed physician or authorized agent of the Florida Department of Health attesting that the person is in good health in order to care for children in a child care facility setting. The health assessment statement shall be documented on a form prescribed by the local licensing agency and updated at least every two years. Child Care personnel did not have a current health statement on file.
Report comments
Two staff members did not have a valid physical on file. See supplemental inspection sheet for additional information.
Correction status
Due by April 10, 2025
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 05 - Health Requirements Group: Sec. 7-32, Ordinance
Sec. 7-11.10(c), Ordinance: A completed application for renewal of a license must be submitted to the local licensing agency at least 45 days prior to the expiration date of the current license to ensure that a lapse in licensure does not occur. The facility failed to submit a complete renewal application 45 days prior to the license expiration.
Report comments
The facility license expires on 12/31/2024. The renewal application was due in the CCLE office by November 15, 2024. As of the date of this report, the application has not yet been received.
Sec. 7-30(b), Ordinance: All staff members of child care facilities must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. A high school diploma or equivalent was not on file for all staff members.
Correction / follow-up note
Three staff files were observed missing proof of education. See supplemental inspection sheet for more information.
Correction status
Due by November 21, 2024
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 02 - Education Requirements Group: Sec. 7-30, Ordinance and DCF Handbook Sec. 7-30, Ordinance and DCF Handbook (Form DEL-SR-6200A)
Official code
02-04
Medium concern: Facility condition
Report finding
3.1(A), Handbook: All child care facilities must be clean, in good repair, free from health and safety hazards and from evidence of, or presence of, vermin infestation. An area(s) of the facility was observed to not be in good repair. (Section 2.1(A) Health and Safety, Page 3) Facility/Storage [SR]
Inspector notes
The following areas were observed in need of repair: - The sink cabinet door in the 2's classroom was observed to be loose. - Ceiling tiles at the VPKB classroom were observed with chipped paint and perforations.
Correction status
Due by November 21, 2024
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 10 - General Facility Requirements Group: Sec. 7-35, Ordinance and DCF Handbook Sec. 7-35, Ordinance and DCF Handbook (Form DEL-SR-6200A)
Official code
10-14
Medium concern: Facility condition
Report finding
Sec. 7-35(c)(2), Ordinance: Any child care facility with a licensed capacity of 50 children or fewer shall install a minimum of two drinking fountains, including at least one inside the facility and at least one in any outdoor play area. Child care facilities with a licensed capacity of more than 50 children shall have one additional drinking fountain located either inside or outside the facility for each additional 50 children licensed capacity or any fraction thereof. Manual or electrically powered commercial water coolers may be used to meet the indoor drinking fountain requirements. Electrically powered commercial water coolers may be used to meet the outdoor drinking fountain requirements. Water coolers with a hot water feature are prohibited for use by children at child care facilities. The facility has an inadequate number of working indoor/outdoor drinking fountains. An additional [one] indoor/outdoor fountain(s) is/are required.
Report comments
The water fountain at the playground area was not working. The water fountain needs to be functioning properly during operating hours.
Correction status
Due by November 21, 2024
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 14 - Drinking Fountains/Water Coolers Group: Sec. 7-35, Ordinance and DCF Handbook Sec. 7-35, Ordinance and DCF Handbook (Form DEL-SR-6200A)
Official code
14-02
Higher concern: Transportation
Report finding
3.8.2 (A), Handbook: Unless statutorily exempted, all child care facilities must conform to state standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal, Chapter 69A-36, F.A.C., Uniform Standards for Life Safety and Fire Prevention in Child Care Facilities. A copy of the current and approved annual fire inspection report completed by a certified fire inspector must be on file with the licensing authority. The facility has not been inspected and approved by the local fire department as required. (Section 2.1(A) Health and Safety, Page 3) License/Certificates [SR]
Report comments
The fire inspection was conducted on 10/8/29024. This inspection indicates violations, and a new passing inspection is pending. The fire extinguishers were serviced in September 2024.
Correction status
Due by November 21, 2024
More details
Report section
TRANSPORTATION - 47 - Fire and Emergency Safety Group: DCF Handbook DCF Handbook (Form DEL-SR-6200A)
4.7, Handbook: Section 402.305(2)(f), F.S., requires a child care facility to have a credentialed director. The facility has no director or the director meet the minimum qualifications. Staff Requirement [SR]
Report comments
As of September 16, 2024, the facility no longer has a credentialed director. The facility will be issued a provisional license.
Correction status
Due by March 15, 2025
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 02 - Education Requirements Group: Secs. 7-3 and 7-4.01, Ordinance and DCF Handbook
4.1, Handbook: Child care personnel including volunteers who work 10 hours or more per month must successfully complete the departments training within 12 months from the date training begins. Training completion may not exceed 15 months from the date of employment in the child care industry in any licensed Florida child care facility.See Supplemental Inspection Sheet for name(s) of staff/volunteers who are out of compliance. Staff Requirement [SR]
Correction / follow-up note
1 staff member did not have proof of completing Part II of the DCF training on file.
Correction status
Due by August 29, 2024
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 03 - Personnel Training Group: Secs. 7-4.01 and 7-4.02, Ordinance and DCF Handbook
Official code
03-03
Medium concern: Health or food records
Report finding
Sec. 7-4.05(b), Ordinance: Prior to the first day of being employed by a child care facility, all child care personnel, excluding temporary substitutes, shall have on file at the child care facility a signed statement from a licensed physician or authorized agent of a Florida County Health Department attesting that the employee is in good health in order to care for children.The health assessment statement shall be documented on the No. 8, Physicians Statement of Good Health for Child Care Center Personnel, and updated every two (2) years.See Supplemental Inspection Sheet for name(s) of staff without current No. 8 on file. Staff Requirement [SR]
Report comments
1 staff member did not have a "statement of good health" on file.
Correction status
Due by August 12, 2024
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 05 - Health Requirements Group: Sec. 7-4.05, Ordinance
Official code
05-01
Medium concern: Facility condition
Report finding
3.1(A), Handbook: All child care facilities must be in good repair, free from health and safety hazards. Areas of the facility were found to be in need of repair in the following areas [SEE COMMENTS]. Facility/Storage [SR]
Report comments
The following areas are in need of repair: GIRLS BATHROOM - replace missing caps at base of toilets - replace cracked protective outlet cover on wall BOYS BATHROOM - replace missing caps at base of toilets
Correction status
Due by August 12, 2024
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 11 - General Facility Requirements Group: Sec. 7-5.01, Ordinance and DCF Handbook
Sec. 7-4.05(b), Ordinance: Prior to the first day of being employed by a child care facility, all child care personnel, excluding temporary substitutes, shall have on file at the child care facility a signed statement from a licensed physician or authorized agent of a Florida County Health Department attesting that the employee is in good health in order to care for children.The health assessment statement shall be documented on the No. 8, Physicians Statement of Good Health for Child Care Center Personnel, and updated every two (2) years.See Supplemental Inspection Sheet for name(s) of staff without current No. 8 on file.
Report comments
1 staff member did not have a current statement of good health on file.
Correction status
Due by April 20, 2023
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 05 - Health Requirements Group: Sec. 7-4.05, Ordinance
Official code
05-01
Higher concern: Transportation
Report finding
7.5 and (A), Handbook:Daily attendance of children must be taken and recorded accurately by the child care personnel, documenting the time when each child enters and departs the program.Attendance devices used for the purposes of tracking attendance may be used, but personnel must ensure the accuracy of the documented attendance. Each classroom must have an attendance sheet/class roster for the group of children occupying that space.There was no attendance sheet/class roster in the [SEE COMMENTS] classroom. License/Certificates [SR]
Report comments
The attendance was not complete for the VPK class and the 2's class during the walkthrough. Counselor Comments FOR GOLD SEAL PROVIDERS: Be advised that if this inspection includes the issuance of a Class I violation and/or the issuance of a third Class II violation for a repeated violation within a two (2) year period, the violation may affect the status of your Gold Seal designation pursuant to s. 402.281, Florida Statutes. ____________________________________________ Inspected by: Donna Williams 04/06/2023 ____________________________________________ Received by: Ingrid Lindsay 04/06/2023 MERRELL UNITED METHODIST PRESCHOOL C17BO0051 / 45176 3900 N State Road 7 Lauderdale La ... [truncated]
Suggested questions for parents based on recorded violations in inspection reports. If there are not enough source-backed violations, you will see general questions for daycare.
Finding-specific
Could you walk me through your current process for verifying transportation logs to ensure all children are accounted for during arrivals and departures?
Why ask this
Why ask this
Public records from an inspection in November 2025 indicate that transportation logs were missing required verification signatures. Asking about the current process helps clarify how the center ensures all children are safely accounted for during transport.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What steps does the center take to ensure all staff members have their required health statements and training documentation current and on file?
Why ask this
Why ask this
Available inspection records show repeated instances between 2024 and 2025 where staff health statements or training documentation were not fully up to date. This question helps parents understand how the center manages ongoing administrative compliance for its staff.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How do you handle the documentation and communication process when an incident occurs involving a child in your care?
Why ask this
Why ask this
An official inspection report from July 2025 noted an instance where incident documentation was not provided to the parent on the day of the occurrence. This question allows the director to explain their current policy for ensuring timely communication with families regarding incidents.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What is your routine for inspecting the facility to identify and address any necessary repairs, such as equipment or building maintenance?
Why ask this
Why ask this
Public records from multiple inspections in 2024 identified various facility maintenance needs, including repairs to classroom furniture and plumbing fixtures. Asking about the maintenance routine helps parents understand how the center maintains a safe and functional environment.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How do you ensure that all staff members meet the necessary educational and credentialing requirements for their roles?
Why ask this
Why ask this
Available inspection records from 2024 and 2025 show several findings related to staff education documentation and director credentialing. This question helps parents understand the center's commitment to maintaining qualified staff.